The briefing paper provides a constructive analysis of the White Paper (Working for Patients). It argues that the White Paper outlines an ambitious and high risk strategy. The paper identifies main themes underlying the White Paper proposals: new institutional arrangements for the health services; the management of clinical activity; responsiveness ...

This report is an in-depth, comparative study of the UK plans and US experience of competition in the supply of hospital services. It shows how both competition and regulation policies have been used to contain escalating costs in the US. American experience raises concerns about the impact of competition on ...